Apply for Hothouse 2019

Hothouse is a programme of creative and business development opportunities delivered over a 6 month period for talented makers at the start of their career.

Since 2010 Hothouse has helped hundreds of makers to identify what they want from their career and how to achieve it.

They have gone on to create installations for Selfridges, Burberry Makers House, exhibit at Design Miami Basel, Milan Design Week, London Fashion Week, win awards and commissions at the Eden Project, Aspex Plymouth and Nottingham Castle, and fulfil artistic residencies at the British Library amongst others.

“It was the best thing I could have done at the time and I don’t think I would have managed to keep my business going for the last five years without everything I was taught back then.”

The programme includes group workshops, a residential course and 1:1 mentoring and will run from February to July 2019.

The Crafts Council has a very broad definition of craft. We are open to a range of disciplines, materials and ideas. If you are a talented maker able to demonstrate potential to commit to and succeed in your making practice – Hothouse could be for you.

Crafts Council wants to bring together a diverse group of talented makers from all over the country whatever their background or professional qualifications. We particularly welcome applications from currently under-represented groups in craft. Applicants who identify as Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and/or as disabled will be guaranteed an interview if they meet the essential criteria for the Hothouse programme.

NDIDI EKUBIA AT HER STUDIO. PHOTO: SOPHIE MUTEVELIAN

Who is eligible?
You might define yourself as a maker, a designer, or an artist, but making, primarily in 3-D, will be at the heart of what you do.

You could be self-taught, have studied craft at university, or as an apprentice, but you will you have started your practice or business within the last four years.

The materials you use could include clay, metal, wood, willow, stone, paper, textile, glass, leather, gems, plastics or even new ones you have developed yourself, but you will show skill and understanding in how you work with those materials.

The processes you use could be traditional or innovative (including digital), but you will bring a contemporary perspective to your practice, and show a high level of skill in your work.